Disability Rights Cambodia Project #53874

Empowering People with Intellectual Disabilities

by Damnok Toek

Empowering People with Intellectual Disabilities

Summary

This project provides residential care and life-skills training for adults with disabilities who have outgrown care programmes designed for children. People with disabilities, especially intellectual, face persistent discrimination in Cambodian society due to cultural superstitions, misunderstandings and exclusion. This project uses skills-based training, awareness-raising, and empowerment to foster social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their full potential.

$50,000
total goal

$41,766
remaining

65
donors

0
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

4
years

Challenge

In Cambodia, people with disabilities are one of the most marginalised groups in the country, with limited access to essential services and the denial of their fundamental rights. Most social programs for disability focus on children or people with physical disabilities, leaving people with intellectual disabilities (ID) particularly vulnerable. A lack of understanding about ID results in stigmatization and social exclusion, which further limits these people's ability to contribute to society.

Solution

This project provides disability-specific care to 25 adults supporting and empowering them to achieve their full potential. Awareness-raising helps educate community members about the challenges people with ID face and their abilities to contribute to the community. This project will serve as a model for future advocacy work and inclusive policies by demonstrating that with support and encouragement, people with ID can exceed personal and societal expectations and participate fully in society.

Long-Term Impact

This project works to empower people with disabilities and break down misconceptions about ID. This project aims to develop each person's capacity for independence. For those who will always require full-time care, the farm will continue supporting their needs and providing empathetic care. Changing perceptions of community members, empowering people with ID and family members of people with ID to advocate for themselves is key to changing policies to ensure inclusivity and access to rights.